Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
China and the US announce an anti-opioid partnership. The two countries will outline their collaboration on an investigation into a fentanyl-smuggling operation based in China, potentially paving the way for further progress in bringing a mutual end to their trade war. In the short term, that could mean tariff reductions on both sides.
A Catalan official resists sedition charges. Former minister Clara Ponsati is expected to turn herself in to European police today in Scotland under a new warrant for her arrest. The Spanish government’s charges against her could result in 15 years imprisonment.
John Bolton is called to testify on the US–Ukraine debacle. It’s unlikely the former US national security adviser will show up to his scheduled meeting with impeachment investigators, despite his reputation for being a harsh critic of any perceived pressure on Ukraine.
While you were sleeping
The IMF told Europe to prepare for an economic slowdown. The fund warned the continent needs emergency plans in case the worst happens with Brexit, banking, and other areas of weakness.
The Trump impeachment is going public. The US House of Representatives announced hearings are scheduled for next week. First up will be Bill Taylor, acting US ambassador to Ukraine, whose closed-door testimony (PDF) was released Wednesday.
Airbnb will finally verify its listings. Eleven years after the company’s launch, the CEO said Airbnb will check every single property on its platform after a nationwide scam operation made headlines.
Cyprus is revoking 26 citizenships. The nation’s cabinet said those affected had obtained passports in exchange for investments, but wouldn’t name names. Reports have implicated members of Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen’s inner circle as well as Jho Low, a Malaysian financier heavily involved in the 1MDB scandal.
Quartz Membership
Sign up for your free trial.
Plastic is our recycling crisis. Environmental expert Judith Enck has been working on plastic recycling for decades, and she calls what we’ve managed to do so far a “monumental failure.” Bad policymaking, widespread misconceptions, and a reliance on false solutions have done us dirty, but there are still actions we can take. Quartz’s Zoë Schlanger dives deep into the recycling bin as part of this week’s field guide on the plastic boom.
Quartz Obsession
On your marks, get set: It’s the Great British Bake Off. Over 10 seasons, the show has redefined reality TV with kindness, creating an atmosphere in which contestants are actually there to make friends. That sweetness is spreading; it’s licensed in 32 countries. Have a piece about it at the Quartz Obsession.
Matters of Debate
We should stop trying to raise successful kids. Parents should prioritize kindness instead.
The Louvre should ditch the Mona Lisa. It’s a disappointment to visitors and a security nightmare.
Separate beds means better sleep. Couples shouldn’t feel bad about hitting the hay in different rooms.
Surprising discoveries
The beard-enhancement business is booming. Companies are selling beard-growth sprays, vitamin-infused gummies, hair-growth puddings, and nourishing night elixirs.
A South Korean firm offers “living funerals.” The goal is to teach participants life lessons.
Office ageism is a bigger problem than sexism. Working women report being judged more for their age than their gender.
Brazil’s tax code is heavier than an African elephant. The tome weighs 7.5 tons and measures over 7 feet tall.
The end of Japanese strawberries? Aging produce farmers are deciding whether to keep going after two devastating typhoons.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, perfect strawberries, and abridged tax codes to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Susan Howson and Liz Webber.